We’re With The Government, And We’re Here To Help

January 24, 2018

In mid-December, Jeanette Manfra, a top cyber official within the Department of Homeland Security, indicated that DHS would “move beyond” offering voluntary assistance to companies experiencing cyber attacks and take steps to become the “world leader in cyber risk assessment.” This is no doubt comforting to many who view government’s role as unique on the cyber landscape, but it seems unclear how such a progression of services might be extended to a broad expanse of companies when existing agencies are seeing their budgets slashed and their staffs decimated. So while it sounds great, the trickle down effects to any but the largest companies seems unlikely.

Still, for DHS to take a more proactive approach is a great thing. In July of 2016, President Obama codified agency roles in a cybersecurity policy (Directive 41) that included National Intelligence, FBI, DHS, and the Department of Justice, among others. Each branch of the military has it’s own cyber warfare unit, it seems, so the DoD is probably among the agencies with a hand on the tiller. From a big picture perspective, it’s nice that government recognizes the urgency and continues to move in the right direction.

Meanwhile, Back At The Ranch

Here’s the thing about government and big picture, though: try to get them on the phone. While their global perspective is comforting, your organization needs boots on the ground that can respond with lightning speed and industry-leading expertise.